Overseas Filipino Workers bound for the United Kingdom are now required to show that they are negative for the coronavirus disease or COVID-19 through RT-PCR test.
Based from the report from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), DOLE spokesman Rolly Francia said the new requirement took effect on January 18, 2021.
“Starting at 4 am today UK time, all [travelers] who will be entering London must present proof that they are negative for Covid. This includes incoming OFWs,” DOLE said in a statement.
Francia added that the requirement is also needed even for those who will be travelling in other areas in the UK.
Failure to comply with the requirements will face a fine of £10,000.
The British government implemented the new policy over the surge or COVID-19 infections in the country through the UK variant.
DOLE said that there are currently 1,203 OFWs, who were infected with COVID-19 in UK. Most of them are nurses.
UK has over 3.3 million COVID-19 cases according to the World Health Organization. (TDT)
